REFERRALS

Through our focus on patient outcomes, we have identified certain aspects of the amputee rehabilitation process that consistently lead to success. This plan focuses on keeping the patient engaged with the process so they never feel alone or forgotten in their vulnerable state.

1. The Pre-surgical Visit goal is for the patient to go into surgery with less anxiety and fear. Meeting with the patient to explain how the amputation will be a change of life, not the end of life, by educating the patient and family members on the process and daily living.
   
   
2. The Status Check Visits goal occurs as often as the patient requires, is to monitor progress, answer questions, and maintain communication between the patient, family members, therapy personnel, and medical staff to ensure continuity of care. This visit can take place in the patient’s home or healthcare facility. During these visits we aim to assess status of healing, compliance, motivation, and expectations. We also confirm that a follow-up appointment is scheduled with the surgeon.
   
   
3. The Post-Healing Visit goal depends on the patient’s expectations and abilities. If a prosthesis is appropriate, please call us to schedule our practitioner to get started. During the visit desensitizing techniques, general hygiene, and what to expect in the coming visits is also reviewed. If a prosthesis is not appropriate, we would be happy to provide a shrinker, by physician request, and encourage them to attend an Amputee Support Group.
   
   
4. After Prosthetic Delivery, regular follow-up visits are scheduled with their OPC practitioner to ensure proper fit is maintained as their limb adjusts to wear. These visits focus heavily on patient education that is provided both verbally and in written form for review at home. We will help coordinate inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation to ensure success, document progress and share with the medical team, and encourage attendance of Amputee Support Group.